15 Temples In Pune That Take You On A Peaceful Spiritual Trail

Ask any Punekar about Ganesh Chaturthi, and they’ll mention the vibrant celebrations at the Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir. This iconic temple stands out among the many in Pune for its grandeur and its unique distinction of being named after a devotee. Founded in 1893 by Dagadusheth Halwai, a prominent sweet trader, the temple draws thousands of devotees daily. The Ganesh idol here is an impressive 2.2 meters tall and 1 meter wide, encrusted with nearly 40 kilograms of gold. Tuesdays and weekends see larger crowds. However, the temple remains open 24/7 during Ganesh Utsav to accommodate the surge of visitors.

Distance From Pune Railway Station: 4 kilometres

Timings: 5 AM to 10.30 PM

Places To Visit Nearby: Pune Nagar Vachan Mandir, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum and Shaniwar Wada

Sadguru Shri Jangli Maharaj Samadhi Temple is dedicated to Jangli Maharaj, who lived in Pune during the late nineteenth century. The temple features stunning architecture with intricate carvings and beautiful sculptures. If you’re planning to visit, the best time is on Tripura Poornima, when the entire temple complex is illuminated with countless diyas, creating a truly mesmerizing sight.

Distance From Pune Railway Station: 3.5 kilometres

Timings: 6 AM to 9 PM

Places To Visit Nearby: Pataleshwar Cave, Mahatma Phule Museum, Lal Mahal and Balgandharva Natyagruh

This seventeeth century temple holds immense significance for the locals in the area. Tucked away in a small lane in Shivajinagar, just off Jangali Maharaj Road and behind Congress Bhavan, it is always bustling with devotees. The temple is dedicated to Rokadoba, an avatar of Lord Hanuman. Daily prayers include a morning aarti at 8 AM and an evening aarti at 7 PM. On special occasions like Poornami, the temple draws a large crowd, making it a vibrant hub of devotion.

Distance From Pune Railway Station: 4.3 km

Timings: 6 AM to 1 PM, 4 PM to 9 PM

Places To Visit Nearby: Pataleshwar Cave, Mahatma Phule Museum, Lal Mahal and Balgandharva Natyagruh

Located in Camp, ISKCON Temple propagates the teachings and values of the great ancient literature of the Vedas. They mainly focus on the teachings of lord Krishna, the understanding of Bhagwad Gita, and Srimad Bhagwatam. The temple is a huge, clean complex with the marble idols of Radha and Krishna standing in the middle. Their floral decorations are a must-watch. The colours spread across the white marble with so many designs and variations is sure to leave you enthralled. 

Distance From Pune Railway Station: 1.7 kilometres

Timings: 4.30 AM to 9.10 PM

Places To Visit Nearby: Albert Edward Institute Library, Kayani Bakery, Garden Vada Pav Centre, Bund Garden, National War Museum and Fashion Street

In the beautiful Sarasbaug, stands this serene temple of Shree Siddhivinayak. It has been worshipped for decades by devotees, especially during the Ganpati festival and Chaturthi. It was built in the year 1784 by Shrimant Sawai Madhavrao Peshwa. This temple is considered to be a sacred place of faith by not just locals but people from all around the world. Overlooking the clean, pretty lake on one side and the city from the other, watching the sunset as you meditate in the temple is a sight to behold. 

Distance From Pune Railway Station: 4.9 kilometres

Timings: 6 AM to 10 PM

Places To Visit Nearby: Sarasbaug, Peshwe Energy Park, and Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum

Housed right in the middle of the Pune Vidyarathi Griha, right next to Phadke Hall, Sadashiv Peth, this temple is special and different from the rest of the Shreeram temples. At this temple, you won’t find an idol of Sita, and instead, Ram and Laxman are depicted in their balya (early childhood) stage. The reason for this unique portrayal is that the temple is an educational institution where high school boys receive their education. The young versions of Ram and Laxman symbolise the formative stage of learning, emphasising the importance of youth and education. In addition to the temple, the premises also host lectures and various co-curricular activities, further integrating the spiritual and educational aspects of the place.

Distance From Pune Railway Station: 5 kilometres

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Places To Visit Nearby: Vishrambaug Wada, Sarasbaug, Peshwe Energy Park, P L Deshpande Garden, Ambika Sandwich and Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum

Wagheshwar Temple, an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Wagholi. Steeped in history, the temple is believed to date back to the time of the Pandavas. The main deity, Lord Shiva, is housed in a sanctum sanctorum, while a grand Nandi statue, the bull companion of Lord Shiva, stands proudly in front of the temple. Beyond its role as a place of worship, the Wagheshwar Temple offers a glimpse into the rich traditions and architecture of ancient India.

Distance From Pune Railway Station: 13.7 kilometres

Timings: 8 AM to 8 PM

Places To Visit Nearby: Green Sunrise Hills, Phoenix Marketcity, Aga Khan Palace, and Butterfly Trampoline Park

Omkareshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a historic gem located in the heart of one of Pune's oldest neighborhoods—Shaniwar Peth. Built in the eighteenth century, the temple has classic Peshwa-era architecture, with white domes crafted from soft soapstone and adorned with intricate carvings. Recognised as a heritage structure by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), this temple not only honours Lord Shiva but also houses smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Goddess Durga, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shani, and Lord Hanuman, making it a significant spiritual site in the city.

Distance From Pune Railway Station: 4.3 kilometres

Timings: 6 AM to 10 PM

Places To Visit Nearby: Shaniwar Wada, Lal Mahal, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, and Joshi's Museum of Miniature Railways

Parvati Hill is one of Pune’s most iconic landmarks, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding valley. You'll also find the serene Parvati Hill Temple, which enshrines idols of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati, Lord Vishnu, Lord Kartikeya, and Devateshwar. To reach the temple, visitors have to climb over 100 stone steps. Historically, Parvati Hill was the primary place of worship for the Peshwa rulers. In addition to its religious significance, the hill is a popular spot for early morning jogs and treks.

Distance From Pune Railway Station: 7.9 kilometres

Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM

Places To Visit Nearby: Peshwe Museum, Sarasbaug, and Vishrambaug Wada

The Chattushringi Temple, standing 90 feet high and 125 feet wide, is maintained by the Shri Devi Chattushringi Mandir Trust. It is located on the slope of a hill on Senapati Bapat Road and is believed to have been constructed during the reign of Peshwas. The name ‘Chaturshringi’ comes from the word ‘Chattu,’ meaning a mountain with four peaks, reflecting the temple's unique structure. For centuries, the temple has been a revered pilgrimage site for devotees of Mahakali and Shri Chaturshringi, offering a peaceful and spiritual sanctuary.

Distance From Pune Railway Station: 7.4 kilometres

Timings: 8 AM to 9 PM

Places To Visit Nearby: Joshi's Museum Of Miniature Railways and Darshan Museum

Kasba Ganpati, revered as the first Manacha Ganpati, is one of the most cherished Ganesh idols in Pune. Established in 1893, the temple is situated in the historic Kasba Peth area, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. Just a short distance away from iconic landmarks like Shaniwar Wada and Lal Mahal, the temple holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. Known for its Maratha-style architecture, the temple also showcases elements of Peshwa-era design. Kasba Ganpati occupies a special place in the hearts of locals and plays a central role in the vibrant Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Pune.

Distance From Pune Railway Station: 3.6 kilometres

Timings: 6 AM to 10.30 PM

Places To Visit Nearby: Kalakar Katta, Shaniwar Wada, Lal Mahal and Joshi's Museum of Miniature Railways

Amid the chaotic market of Tulshibaug lies the Tulshibaug Shri Ram Temple. While the surrounding neighborhood has transformed over the years, the essence of Tulshibaug remains unchanged, and a visit to this temple feels like stepping back in time. The temple’s walls are adorned with beautiful murals illustrating the legendary feats of Lord Ram. During the Ramnavami Utsav, which celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Ram, the temple hosts a nine-day festival filled with Hindustani music, offering a spiritual and cultural experience like no other.

Distance From Pune Railway Station: 3.5 kilometres

Timings: 7 AM to 8.30 PM

Places To Visit Nearby: Vishrambaug Wada, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum and Shaniwar Wada

Ramdara Temple, situated in the peaceful village of Loni Kalbhor, is a quaint yet well-known shrine dedicated to Lord Ram. Though the temple dates back to ancient times, it was rebuilt in 1970. The name ‘Ramdara’ reflects its devotion to Lord Ram. Set against a stunning backdrop of hills and surrounded by water, the temple gives the impression of floating on an island oasis, creating a picturesque atmosphere that draws visitors seeking both spiritual solace and natural beauty.

Distance From Pune Railway Station: 23.9 kilometres

Timings: 7 AM to 5 PM

Places To Visit Nearby: Ramdara Hill View Point

The Bhuleshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, dates back to the eighth century and is renowned for its historical and architectural significance. In addition to the Shiva idol, the temple also houses deities such as Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu, and a unique idol of Ganesha in female attire, known as Ganeshwari, Lambodari, or Ganeshyani. The walls of the temple are adorned with intricate classical carvings, showcasing its rich artistic heritage. The temple's architecture follows the Deccan style, which has similarities to Indo-Aryan designs. Recognising its cultural value, Bhuleshwar Temple has been declared a protected monument.

Distance From Pune Railway Station: 52 kilometres

Timings: 5 AM to 8 PM

Places To Visit Nearby: Meher Retreat

Situated on a hillock along the Pune-Satara highway, the temple offers a stunning panoramic view of Pune city, adding to the peaceful ambiance felt by all who visit. The temple is surrounded by several smaller shrines, including a distinctive Jal temple, which is set amidst water. At the center of the main temple stands a magnificent 12-foot idol of Mahavir, crafted from Panchadhatu, a five-metal alloy of sacred significance. Weighing five tonnes, the idol is a striking symbol of spiritual significance.

Distance From Pune Railway Station: 12.2 kilometres

Timings: 6 AM to 9 PM

Places To Visit Nearby: Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and Wildlife Research Center

You can take a bus as these areas are well connected by PMPML buses. However, we recommend taking an auto rickshaw for added convenience. A few of these temples are also accessible by the Pune Metro. The timings and fare are available at www.punemetrorail.org. There are also multiple service providers like Ola, Uber, and Rapido. Once you reach the location, if you have trouble finding the entrance, just ask someone to give you the directions.

Early mornings and evenings are generally the best times to visit these temples. But if you want to experience any temple at its busiest, visit during special occasions or festivals. Avoid touching the statues or sacred items without guidance. Temples can vary widely in their customs and traditions, so do a little research or ask the locals about specific practices that may be unique to the place. Many temples have a 'No Photography' rule, it's best to ask before taking any photos. Also, most of them don’t have a dedicated space for parking, so plan your trip accordingly.